100 P&T VA Disability Rating: Is This Considered A Protected VA Disability Rating?

A 100 P&T VA disability rating should not be confused with a protected VA disability rating. A "protected" rating is a VA rating that cannot be reduced or revoked by VA in the future, absent fraud in the application.

00:00 Introduction to 100% P&T VA Disability Ratings
00:51 How long does permanent VA disability last?
3:33 When can the VA reduce 100 P&T rating?
7:35 Is TDIU the same as 100 percent permanent and total disability?
9:04 How do you know if you are 100 permanent and total?


100% P&T ratings are not protected ratings. "Permanent" means that the condition is assumed to be unceasing in nature and unlikely to improve. The term "total" indicates that the maximum rating has been assigned. Because of this, VA won't schedule a P&T claimant for a routine medical examination. A P&T claim can, however, be reduced if VA becomes aware of medical improvement.


VA also cannot reduce a rating that has continuously existed at or above the current rating for 20 or more years. The only exception to this rule is that a rating based on fraud by the claimant can be reduced or severed at any time. For ratings that have been in effect for 10 years or more, VA cannot sever an award of service connection absent evidence of fraud or a showing that the claimant did not have the requisite service or character of discharge to initially qualify for the award.